Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) says it expects this year’s Independence Day will help Zambians find the real meaning of what their forefathers wanted to achieve when they fought for independence.
And FODEP has congratulated the people of Zambia and successive governments for making Zambia an envious peace hub in the SADC region and the continent as whole.
FODEP president Shepherd Chilombe says his organization is however concerned that the country still remains divided and un-reconciled.
Mr. Chilombe notes that this is partly due to political leaders’ failure to embrace dialogue and respect for each other.
He has told Qfm News in a statement that hate speech and intolerance have also continued to undermine Zambia’s democratic process.
Mr. Chilombe states that FODEP is further saddened to note that the country is celebrating its 51st Anniversary amidst heavy borrowing, rising essential commodity prices and expensive cost of living.
He has observed that this is besides Zambia still remaining dependent on foreign funding to support its operations and diversification efforts remain a lip service matter for the past 51 years.
Mr. Chilombe says FODEP is further particularly concerned that the 51 years of independence have not helped the country enact a new people driven constitution.